Herpetologist – Conservation Biologist

Recruitment Announcement DWFP – Herpetologist – Environmental/Natural Resources Specialist III (Nongame Research Program)Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

WORK STATION:   Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, 2148 Riverside Drive, Jackson, Mississippi 39202; Phone:  601-576-6000

JOB DESCRIPTION:          

This position is responsible for the planning, coordination, and management of a state-wide program on the ecology, conservation, and management of amphibians, reptiles, and their communities. This includes conducting advanced levels of basic and applied scientific research and maintaining the state herpetology collection according to recognized professional standards.                 

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE OR SKILLS REQUIRED:

• knowledge of ecology, conservation biology, methodologies, and related environmental sciences.
• Knowledge of techniques and equipment used for nongame surveys and monitoring.
• Ability to plan, organize, and carry out projects
• Ability to make public presentations, write technical reports, and otherwise disseminate information
• Ability to develop and implement wildlife research, monitoring, or management projects.
• Ability to direct, coordinate, and maintain wildlife management projects

PREFERRED SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE OR SKILLS 

• A working knowledge of the U.S. Endangered Species Act
• Familiarity with the Mississippi State Wildlife Action Plan
• Understanding of the life-histories of amphibians and reptiles and ability to identify all species of those taxa in Mississippi
• Ability to readily identify other Mississippi taxa in the field
• Experience with multiple taxa specific sampling methods
• Ability to identify and implement conservation actions for species of greatest conservation need
• Knowledge of funding sources including: Section 6, State Wildlife Grants & Mitigation Funds
• One or more SCUBA certifications
• Experience with surface supply dive systems
• Ability to operate a boat and back a boat trailer
• Knowledge of basic boat and trailer maintenance
• Ability to convey complex scientific concepts through written, oral, and visual media to diverse audiences
• Good public speaking and ability to interact with the public
• Experience publishing scientific literature
• Curatorial experience

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

This position will require extensive field work in various weather conditions and will regularly consist of 10-12 hour days. During field season, this position will require overnight trips on a semi-weekly basis with hotel and meals provided during those trips. This position requires knowledge of the techniques and equipment used for monitoring reptiles and amphibians, including venomous species. When not in the field, this position will focus on the curation of the museum’s herpetological collection. This position is based out of the Museum of Natural Science and may also include duties as assigned including but not limited to: participating in various events, assisting with exhibit take down and set up, and helping with summer camp and other educational outreach. 

WORK SCHEDULE:

Generally 8:00-5:00, with occasional weekend and evening work.  Will also require some overnight travel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A Master’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in wildlife/fisheries ecology/biology or in wildlife/fisheries conservation/management or a field of study defined by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; and Four (4) years of work experience directly related to the above-described duties.  Directly related education above the Master’s Degree and directly related experience may be substituted on an equal basis.  

STARTING ANNUAL SALARY

$43,509.31 – $74,237.76 FRINGE BENEFITS:          

Pool vehicle available as needed; paid insurance for employee (other options and coverage for family available at additional cost); cafeteria plan; retirement plan; deferred compensation plan; overnight travel expenses. APPLICATION PROCEDURES: